67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Gregski** · 11-26-2016, 07:56 PM

apologies I was way too lazy to search for this, a body of mine has a 67-72 cab and front clip off a 2WD that I would love to put on my '74 short bed is that easily done, he thinks not much has changed in the 2WD short bed frames during those years

so a 67-73 2WD short bed to a 1974 2WD short bed

**lolife99** · 11-26-2016, 08:24 PM

Totally different frame.

andrewmp6 · 11-27-2016, 06:42 AM

Wheel base is different and i doubt any of the body mounts will be close.

mzsigler · 11-27-2016, 07:29 AM

Wheelbase is different and wikipedia says 73 was an "All new, clean sheet design"

Quote:

An all-new clean sheet redesign of General Motors' Chevrolet and GMC brand C/K-Series pickups débuted in mid-1972 for the 1973 model year.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_C/K

So I would guess no. From my limited and not scientific experience, the earlier trucks are not as wide either, doesn't seem like anything remotely close to a bolt on affair.

SCOTI · 11-28-2016, 11:38 AM

Different but not "All new, clean sheet design" new...

The frame widths are similar. The front suspension x-members will interchange but that's about it. The wheel base changed & the kick-ups in the frames are different.

**MikeB** · 12-06-2016, 04:25 PM

Not even close. Same for steering and front suspension.

As an example, my 82 C10 has larger A-arms and the same size center link and tie rods ends as a 67-72 C20.

But unfortunately, the 73-87 C10 did a away with rear coil springs, trailing arms, and track bar.

Also the 73-87 transmission crossmember is not dual exhaust friendly.

**Gregski** · 12-06-2016, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

Also the 73-87 transmission crossmember is not dual exhaust friendly.

Thanks Mike

My '74 came with the dual hump trans cross member (top one in the first pic below) which I have used with a stock manifold dual exhaust system and a Hooker long tube header dual exhaust system, and it works great

in my long thread Restoring Rusty I think I lay out all four different styles of the 83-87 transmission cross members in my driveway and show you comparison pictures

they have different ones for 2WD vs 4X4, they have a different one for the TH350 vs the TH400 etc.

**MikeB** · 12-06-2016, 05:13 PM

I had forgotten about the other crossmembers, but now I remember them from a post you did awhile back.

Wish I'd had the top one in your picture when I connected my exhaust pipes to my new headers! You can see why in the pic below.

**Gregski** · 12-11-2016, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB

I had forgotten about the other crossmembers, but now I remember them from a post you did awhile back.

Wish I'd had the top one in your picture when I connected my exhaust pipes to my new headers! You can see why in the pic below.

yup, I think you have the wrap around one, the last one I posted, I think it is the worst of all of them, sorry but you know what I mean - seems like an afterthought in the design department

11-26-2016, 07:56 PM	#1
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,868	67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? apologies I was way too lazy to search for this, a body of mine has a 67-72 cab and front clip off a 2WD that I would love to put on my '74 short bed is that easily done, he thinks not much has changed in the 2WD short bed frames during those years so a 67-73 2WD short bed to a 1974 2WD short bed

11-26-2016, 08:24 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: 67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? Totally different frame. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-27-2016, 06:42 AM	#3
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: 67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? Wheel base is different and i doubt any of the body mounts will be close.

11-28-2016, 11:38 AM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: 67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? Different but not "All new, clean sheet design" new... The frame widths are similar. The front suspension x-members will interchange but that's about it. The wheel base changed & the kick-ups in the frames are different. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-06-2016, 04:25 PM	#6
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? Not even close. Same for steering and front suspension. As an example, my 82 C10 has larger A-arms and the same size center link and tie rods ends as a 67-72 C20. But unfortunately, the 73-87 C10 did a away with rear coil springs, trailing arms, and track bar. Also the 73-87 transmission crossmember is not dual exhaust friendly. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

12-06-2016, 05:13 PM	#8
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,597	Re: 67-72 vs 73-87 frames, were they the same? I had forgotten about the other crossmembers, but now I remember them from a post you did awhile back. Wish I'd had the top one in your picture when I connected my exhaust pipes to my new headers! You can see why in the pic below. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!



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